John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 255: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he has taken to deal with the continuing problem of drunkenness and rowdiness in the Ranelagh area; if he has plans to deal with this problem; if he will agree to more cycle patrols in the Ranelagh area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16594/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Garda authorities have informed me that high priority is given to the policing of anti-social behaviour. In Dublin, Operation Encounter is a Garda initiative aimed at providing high visibility Garda foot patrols in areas where large numbers of people socialise late at night and in the early morning. It is aimed at dealing effectively with public order issues, especially problems associated with drunkenness. This proactive initiative is kept under constant review by local Garda management and tailored to meet circumstances at any given time. The Garda authorities regard Operation Encounter as effective and intend that it will continue.

I am also informed that local Garda management is currently exploring the possibility of operating cycle patrols that would incorporate the Ranelagh area.

In order to deal with the problems caused by the abuse of alcohol, I brought forward tough new provisions in the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 and the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003. I have also put forward proposals in the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 and intend to bring forward further proposals for inclusion in the Bill.

Finally, I would advise the Deputy that there was a drop of 21%, over 1,000 incidents in the number of assaults causing harm for 2003 compared to 2002. This downward trend has continued in 2004 and the first quarter of 2005. Furthermore, there was a drop of 14%, over 1,000 incidents in the number of lesser assaults for 2003 compared to 2002 and a drop of 9% in public damage for 2003 compared to 2002.